Global Miners Win Madhya Pradesh Diamond Mining Permits

Diamond mining in India’s Madhya Pradesh state is likely to gain momentum with the entry of miners Rio Tinto, De Beers, BHP Minerals of Canada and the National Mineral Development Corporation.

The companies are set to start exploration work in the Panna, Chhattarpur, Tikamgarh, Sagar, Angor and Majhgawan areas of the state.

Rio Tinto has been issued with four reconnaissance permits covering 10,000 square kilometers, while De Beers has also received reconnaissance permits and is likely to be issued soon with further licenses for the survey of kimberlite pipes.

De Beers will also be issued with reconnaissance permits for gold, copper, lead, bismuth, cadmium and associated minerals.

BHP Minerals has been issued with two reconnaissance permits for diamonds and other minerals, while NMDC has been issued one reconnaissance permit for diamonds.